MJF handing cash support to 15,000 Covid-hit women

Manusher Jonno Foundation (MJF), a human rights organisation focusing on dignity and well-being of the country's marginalised population, has begun distribution of livelihood support to 15,380 Covid-19 affected marginalised women in 35 districts under 'Excluded People's Rights in Bangladesh' (EPR) programme.

The month-long programme has been supported by the UK Government's Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO), according to a press release.

Beginning on February 1, MJF is distributing Tk 7,000 to each beneficiary, selected through a rigorous process involving its 42 partner NGOs.

Some 391 citizens' committees were involved in the selection process and also are assisting in the distribution of cash support.

The beneficiary list, verified by union parishads and endorsed by upazila administration, includes women from poor and marginalised communities, indigenous communities of CHT and plainlands, Dalit and Harijan; women with disabilities; Bede community; transgender and fisher folk.

Extreme poor women-headed households, widows, destitute women, and victims of violence are also included in the list.

Grievance redress committees involving 354 people have also been formed to address issues relating to selection and distribution processes.

MJF Executive Director Shaheen Anam said: "The support of the British Government is laudable which will empower some 15,000 marginalised women to create sustainable livelihood opportunities to enhance family wellbeing."

Mentionable, MJF successfully distributed Tk 57.5 million to 23,000 marginalised households in 38 priority districts in September last year, supported by FCDO.